Stellaria media

RHS Plant Profile
common chickweed
common chickweed RHS

Other common names

chickenweed, chickweed, white bird's eye, winter weed, satin flower, tongue grass

Annual Biennial

A semi-evergreen, annual wildflower which can be seen commonly in garden beds and borders, growing all year round in mild weather. It has fine, sprawling stems, small, bright green leaves and tiny, star-shaped, white flowers from spring to autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Stellaria can be annuals or herbaceous perennials, with slender stems bearing simple, opposite leaves and terminal cymes of white flowers with 5 deeply notched petals
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows naturally in open ground and can spread rapidly by seed in cultivated areas. Where it can be tolerated it adds to garden biodiversity, supports wildlife, and even provides fresh-tasting edible leaves. See chickweed for more information

Propagation

Produces vast quantities of seed which can remain viable for up to 25 years within the soil, germinating easily when brought to the surface

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free